Eyeglass frame



March 20,1945. 'R T. COOK 2,372,059

I EYEGLASS FRAME Filed Sept. 3. 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet i INVENTOR.

I fizwmal 020% BY 2 v March 0, 1945- R. T. cooK 2,372,059

' EYEGLASS FRAME I Filed Sept. 3 1943 I 2- Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

galand 7. 6201,

Patented Mar. 20. 1945- 2,372,059

Roland T. Cook, Irvington, N. J., asslgnor to New Jersey Optical Company, Irvlngton, N. J., a corporationof New Jersey 7 Application September 3,1943, Serial No. 501,120

- I 5Clairns. (eras-41 This invention relates to improvements in eyeglass frames; and the invention has reference.

more particularly, to a novel eyeglass frame of the partial or top rim type.

This invention has for an object to provide an eyeglass frame having partial, or toprim sections of plastic material, shell or like material adapted'to embrace and seat the top edge portions of the eyeglass lenses; the frame structure being provided with novel cooperative means for securing both the lenses and frame fittings, such as temples, nose bridge, or nose pad elements, to the rim sections, in'such manner as to hold said fittings in strongly and rigidly interlocked relation to the rim sections, while at the same time bracingand reenforcing said"rim s ections against warping, distortion or other displacement.

Another object of this invention is to provide in eyeglass frames of the kind above mentioned novel strap structuresand cooperative rim section seating means therefor, whereby frame fit-.

tings, such as temples and nose bridge or nose padelements, may be strongly and rigidly joined to the rim sections and to the eyeglass lenses embraced by the latter. and whereby the lenses areso supported and secured as to be free from strain when said fittings are manipulated.

A further object of this invention 'is to provide nove1 constructions of reenforced strap means for anchoring temples and nose bridge or nose pad elements of the frame to the rim sections of the latter, whereby rigidity of connection between said strap means and the temple hinges and nose bridge or nose pad supports is assured, free from relative loose play or vibration.

Other objects of this invention, not'at this time more particularly enumerated. will be understood from the following detailed description of the same.

Illustrative embodiments of this'inven'tion are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1.is a front face elevatim of an eyeglass frame made according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a rear face elevation of the same, the temple bows being shown in cross section, Fig. 3 is a front face elevation of combined unitary rim sections and nose bridge per se made of plastic ma terial and according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a rear face view of the same; Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view, taken on line 5 5 in Fig. l. but

drawn .on an 'enlarged scale; and Fig. 6 is a fragmentary verticalcros's-sectional view, taken on line (i -6 in Fig. 1. and largedscale.

Fig. I is a, detail external face view of a hinge also drawn on an on and strap portion of a temple element; Fig. 8 is an internal face view of the same; and Fig. 9 is a central longitudinal sectional view thereof.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to that of Fig.5, but showing a modified form of strap structure for a temple hinge connection of a temple element or for a nose bridge or nose pad support; and Fig. 11 is a similar view showing another modified form of strap structure.

Fig. 12 is a front face elevationof an eyeglass frame having separate plastic top rim sections, joined by a combined metallic nose bridge and nose pad structure, and including strap structures according to this invention for joining the latter and the temple elements to the rim sections. v

.Similar'characters of reference are employed in the above described views, to indicate corresponding parts.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, the eyeglass frame. as therein shown, comprises oppositely extending top rim sections I integrally connected by an intermediate bridge piece 2 so as tc provide a unitary structure, the same being made of a s'uitableplastic material, shell or the like. The rim sections I may bemade in variously designed arcuate shapes 'as to the longitudinal extent thereof and so as to conform to the top peripheral shape of lenses 3 to be embraced thereby. Each rim section comprises a peripheral wall 4 to abut the edge of a lens 3 applied thereto, and coincidcnt with and springing angularly from the rear marginal portion of said peripheral wall 4 is a supporting wall or ledge portion 5, whereby the rim section is provided with a forwardly open lens receiving andsupporting seat 6 formed by or nasal ends of the rim-sections l are similar anchor lugs 8. On'their rear or external faces said lugs l and 8 are each provided with outwardly open, longitudinally extending, countersunk strapseats 9. an the external edge faces of the rim section peripheral walls 4 are provided with outwardly open transverse notches I ll which intersect the outer open ends of said strap seats. 9. Adjacent the inner ends of said lugs 1 and 8-, the same are provided with through applied as above described, the

appear, and said lugs I and 8 are also provided between their outer ends and said openings H with additional openings l2, the purpose of which will likewise be hereinafter explained.

Secured to the outer or temporal ends of the rim sections I are temple end pieces or hinge knuckle arms I3 to which the temple fittings I4 are pivotally connected by pivot screws ii in the customary manner familiar to the art. Connected with each temple end piece or hinge knuckle arm I3, so as to be unitary therewith is a strap structure comprising a transverse base part I6; from which the end piece or hinge knuckle arm I3 projects, and a. longitudinal strap ear I'I projecting inwardly from the rearward end of said base part and angularly thereto. Said base part [6 fits into and is embraced by a notch I at the temporal end of a rim section I, while the strap ear II fits into and is embraced by the adjacent strap seat 9 of the anchor lug I with which said temporal end of the rim section is provided. Secured to the inner or nasal ends of the rim sections I are supporting arms 18, to the free ends of which nose pad fittings I9 are suitably connected in any desired and known manner. Connected with each .supporting arm [8, so as to be unitary therewith is a like strap structure to that already above described, thus comprising a transverse base part 16 and a longitudinal strap ear I'I angular thereto, so that said base part fits into and is embraced by a notch H! at the nasal end of a rim section I, while the strap ear II fits into and is embraced by the adjacent 'strap seat 9 of the anchor lug 8 with which said nasal end of the rim. section is provided.

The strap structures, for attaching the respective temple and nose pad arms respectively to the anchor lugs 'I and B and thus to adjacent end portions of the rim sections I, having been same are affixed to said rim sections by passing fastening rivets 20 through the strap ears and thence through theopenings l2 of the anchor lugs, whereupon the eyeglass frame is ready for application and fastening-of the lenses 3 to the rim sections of said frame. 4 g

- The top edge of the lense 3 are opposed to and thus engaged beneath the outer overhang of and comprises the provision of a bracing lug 3| the peripheral walls 4 of the rim sections so that adjacent marginal portions of the rear faces of said lenses are seated against the ledge portions of said rim sections, whereby the upper peripheral top and side marginal portions or the lense are firmly embraced and enclosed, top and rear face, by said rim sections. The lenses 3 having been thus assembled with the rim sections' I, the same'are firmly but detachably secured thereto by fastening screws 2|, whichare passed through openings 22 with which the lenses are provided; said openings 22 being located so as to regster with the openings ll ,pf-the rim section anchor lugs 'I or 8,-as the case may be,

The threaded shanks of the. fastening screws 2| screw into internally screw-threaded openings 23 55 with which the strap ears II are provided, and

which are aligned with said openings II of the anchor lugs, when the strap ears are operatively en a ed and securedin the seats 9 or said anchor lugs. The heads 24 ortheftast'ening screws 2| bear on washers 2i, and disposed intermediate I said washers 25 and th underly ng surface of the lenses 8 are interposed auxiliary resilient washers 2, whereby tightening stresses of the fastening screws, when the latter are screwed As shown in Fig. 12, instead of .7 sense.

home, are cushioned, and are thus prevented from cracking the lenses, while nevertheles exerting 5 brace of the rim sectionswithout relative looseing or like displacement of the strap ears I'I relative to the base parts 16. One, and perhaps a preferred means, for thu reenforcing the strap devices, comprises forming across theangle intermediate the strap ear l1 and the base part It one or more diagonal strengthening or bracing elements 21. Such element 21 may be produced,

by indenting the material of the strap device and driving the same inward to form a bracing rib extending between the base'lli and ear II across the internal angle therebetween (see more particularly Figs. 7 to 9 inclusive). When this construction is employed, the material of the rim section 1, which is embraced within the angle of the strap device, is indented or notched as at 28 (see Fig. 4) to receive said bracing element or rib 21, thus also further enhancingthe interlocked relation of the strap device to the rim section, whereby to firmly embrace and hold the rim section material against warping or other distortion.

Another alternative means for firmly interlocking the strap device with the rim section material, while at the same time reenforcing the former against bendingand displacement, is shown in Fig. 10, and comprises the provision of a bracing lug 28 to overlie the external edge of the rim section peripheral wall 4,'preferably. in countersunk relation thereto.

In this construction a fastening screw 30 is passed through the strap ear I1 and thence through the rim section material, to screw into the bracing lug 29. Use of such fastening screw 30 eliminates necessity for employing the fastening rivet 20 of the previously described construction.

Another modified form of mean for firmlyin terlocking and bracing the strap device in connection with the rim'section is shown in Fig. 11,

to overlie the external edge of the rim section peripheral wall 4, sa d lug 3| having at its free end an inturned spur 32 which i -driven into and imbedded in the material of said rim section. providing the I rim sections with an integral intermediatenose bridge portion as shown in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive,

the rim sections I may comprise separate mornbers, the same being joined by ametallic nose bridge-33 and nose-pad. elements 34, secured to and between the nasal sides of the rim sections I by any of the above described strap structures. Hav ng now described by way of illustration certain embodiments of-myinventionl desire to point out that-I am aware that various changes I could be made'in' the above-described construc tions, and that widely differentembodiments of matter contained in the above-description.

shown in the accompanying drawings Shanta;

illustrative and not in a'limitlng interpreted as section of plastic material,

abase meam, fasteningmeans for I claim: a 1. In an eyeglass frame, a lens supporting rim said. rim section having an integral anchor lugformation projecting inwardly therefrom flush to the plane of the inner lens contacting face so as to overlie a surface of a lens served by said rim section, said anchor lug havinga countersunk seat in'its extemal face open endwise toward the outer peripheral edge of said rim section and terminat ing in an intersecting notch extending across said edge, a strap structure for uniting a frame fitting with said rim section and its anchor lug, said strap structure comprising a base portion and a strap ear angular thereto respectively seated in said notch and countersunk seat, means to both reenforce said strap structure against distortion and to prevent relative bending displacement of the strap ear and base portion thereof. and fastening means passing through a lens and thehoverlying anchor lug to engage said strap ear, whereby to attach the lens to the rim section.

, 2. In an eyeglass frame, a len supporting rim section of plastic material, said rim section having an integral anchor lug formation projecting inwardly therefrom to overlie a surface of a lens served by said'rim section, said anchor lug having a countersunk seat in its external face open endwise toward the outer peripheral edge of said rim section and terminating in an intersecting notch extending across said edge, a strap structure for uniting a frame fitting with said rim section and its anchor lug, said strap structure comprising a base portion and a strap ear angular thereto respectively seated in' said notch and countersunk seat, said strap structure having bracing and reenforcing means extending between its base portion and strap ear across the included angle therebetween, the rim section having a recess to receive said bracing and reenforcing means,.and a fastening screw passing through said lens and the overlying anchor lug to screw into said strap ear, whereby to attach the lens to the rim section. a

3. In an eyeglass frame, a lens supporting rim section of plastic material. said rimsection having an integral anchor lug formation p jecting inwardly therefrom to overlie a surface of a lens served by said rim section, said anchor lughaving a countersunk seat in its external face open endwise toward the outerperipheral edge of said terminating secflonanditsanchorlugsaidstrapstructure partiiinandastrapearangu and nasal sides thereof,

la: thereto respectively seate in said'notch and countersunk seat, said strap structure having bracing and reenforcingmeans extending between .itsbaseportionandstrapearacrosstheincluded angletherebetweentherimsectionhavlngarecess to receive said bracing and reenforcing section of plastic embrace said lens of, said anchor lugs the rear. face of a lens seated tures .for uniting frame fittings with said rimcar to the anchor lug, and a fastening screw passing through said lens and the overlying anchor lug to screw into said strap ear, whereby to attach the lens to the rim section.

4. In an eyeglass frame, a lens supporting rim section of plastic material to extend along the top marginal portions of a lens between temporal said rim section having a forwardly open angular lensreceiving seat to embrace said lens marginal portions, said rim sections having anchor lugs respectively projecting inwardly from temporal and nasal portions thereof, said anchor lugs having countersunk seats in their rear faces open endwise toward the adjacent outer peripheral edges of said rim section and terminating in intersecting notches extending across said peripheral edges, said anchor lugs being flush with the lens face engaging surface of the rim section lens receiving seat so 'as to overlie the rear face of a lens seated therein, strap structures for uniting frame fittings with said rim section and its anchor lugs, said strap structures comprising angularly related base portions and strap ears respectively seated in said notches and countersunk seats, said strap structures having bracing and reenforcing means extending between their base portions and strap ears across the included angle therebetween, the rim section having recesses to receive said bracing and reenforcing means, and fastening screws passing through said lens and the overlying anchor lugs to screw into said strap ears, whereby to attach the lens to the rim section.

5. In an eyeglass frame, a lens supporting rim material to extend along the top marginal portion of a lens between temporal and nasal sides thereof, said rim section having a forwardly open I marginal portion, said rim sections having anchor lugs respectively projecting inwardly from temporal and nasal portions therehaving countersunk seats in their rear faces open endwise toward the adjacent outer peripheral edges of said rim section and terminating in intersecting notches extending across said peripheral edges, being flush with the lens face eng ing surface of the rim section lens receiving seatso as to overlie therein, strap strucsection and its anchor lugs, said strap structures comprising angularly related base portions and strap ears respectively seated in said notches and countersunk seats, said strap structures having bracing and reenforcing means extending between their base portions and strap ears across the included angle therebetween, the rim section having to receive said bracingand forcing means, "fastening means for securing the strap ears to the anchor lugs, and fastening screws passing through said lens and the overlying anchor lugs to whereby to'attach the lens to the rim section.

aotssn- 'r. coon.

angular len receiving seat to.

said anchor lugs I screwintosaidstrapeam. 

